SURFACE WATER DRAINAGE AND FLOODING IN KARACHI CITY

S. AKHTAR, M. R. DAHNANI

Abstract

Urban flooding is natural phenomenon. It has become a serious problem of cities of both Developed and Under- developed region. The rapid population and areal growth of cities and intensive urban development have intensified this problem. Cities are generally flooded when excessive precipitation takes place beyond the capacity of surface drainage. Urban sprawl and urban encroachment intensify this problem in form of reducing rainwater infiltration and increasing surface runoff. Lack of planning about rainwater and sewerage discharge and population growth aggravate this problem. Like other major cities of the world problem of urban flooding has been intensifying in Karachi City which is the largest city and financial hub of Pakistan. The monsoon rain creates a serious problem for city dwellers and urban planners. In view of the significance of the problem the present study is an attempt to examine the problem of urban flooding in historical perspective and evaluate the surface drainage problem in context of urban growth and urban planning.